0^9 

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*B   315   325 


RECOMPENSE 

A  Book  of  Verse 

BY 
HELEN  PARR  CONANT 


"It  is  the  bounty  of  Nature  that  we  live,  but 
of  Philosophy  that  we  live  well,  which  is,  in 
truth,  a  greater  benefit  than  life  itself." 

Seneca. 


BOSTON 

SHERMAN,  FRENCH  #  COMPANY 

1916 


Copyright,   1916 
Sherman,  French  6*  Company 


TO 

THE  SPIRIT  AND  INFLUENCE  OF  LOVE 

THAT  BEAUTIFIES  ALL  LIFE 


362473 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

For  Today 1 

Give  Us  Thy  Help 2 

The  Kingdom  of  God S 

There  Is  No  Cross  for  Me 4 

Jesus,  We  Thank  Thee 5 

Horizon,  Sky,  and  Rest 6 

Thy  Temple 7 

Easter  Greeting 8 

Twilight 9 

Dorcas           10 

It  Is  the  Voice  of  Spring 12 

Suppliant 13 

A  Snow  Storm 14 

Life 15 

Easter  Wishes 16 

The  Ocean .17 

To  My  Friend 18 

In  the  Palace  of  the  King 19 

Martha 20 

Be  Near  Us,  Lord 21 

God  Will  Answer  Prayer 22 

Christmas  Thoughts 23 

"  Come  Ye  Apart  " 24 

St.  Valentine 25 

Spring  Time 26 

That  Something 27 

Winter 28 

February  12 29 

Jesus  Wants  the  Little  Ones      ....  30 


PAOE 

For  Sinners 81 

April 33 

A  Mother's  Prayer 34 

A  Song  of  Praise  .     35 

Nature 36 

Thank  Offering  for  Children    ....  87 

Missionary  Thanksgiving  Song    ....  38 

The  Doctor 39 

In  Silence  Stand 41 

Thou  Didst  Plead  for  Me 42 

Morning  Hours 43 

Easter 44 

"  Come  unto  Me  " 45 

Peace,  Perfect  Peace 46 

I  Know  that  My  Redeemer  Liveth  ...  47 

There  Is  No  Fear         48 

My  Baby's  Song 49 

Sleep 50 

Of   Gratitude 51 


RECOMPENSE 


FOR  TODAY* 

O  God,  we  ask  Thee  for  Thy  love, 
To  guide  us  day  by  day ; 
Guide  Thou  our  wandering,  erring  feet 
Into  the  narrow  way. 

Come  to  us  in  the  morning  hour 
When  we  our  tasks  begin, 
And  with  Thy  tender,  guiding  hand, — 
Oh,  keep  us  free  from  sin. 

And  when,  toward  the  evening  hour, 
Thy  day  draws  to  its  close, 
With  thoughts  of  prayer  we  come  to  Thee 
With  all  our  cares  and  woes. 


[i] 


_ 

GIVE  US  THY  HELP 


We  ask  Thee  help  us  live  more  near, 
Give  us  Thy  love  and  counsel  too, 
That  through  the  day  Thy  voice  we  hear 
In  all  we  think  or  say  or  do. 

Give  us  the  wish  to  pray  aright, 

To  serve  Thee  only  in  our  ways; 

Oh,  make  our  pathway  clear  and  bright 

And  keep  us  Thine  through  all  the  days. 

Give  us  Thy  blessing,  help  us  to  say, 
"  Thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done." 
Teach  us  to  want  to  know  Thy  way, — 
Then  will  our  conflict  here  be  won. 


[2] 


THE  KINGDOM  OF  GOD 

The  kingdom  of  God,  where  is  it? 
How  often  we  ponder  it  o'er. 
We  think,  and  we  fret,  and  we  worry, 
Then  turn  to  the  other  shore. 

The  kingdom  of  God,  what  is  it? 
A  state  of  mind  or  of  soul 
We  dream,  then  let  our  minds  wander 
And  think, —  is  it  life  as  a  whole? 

But  the  ache  in  our  heart  continues, 
And  with  longings  we're  sore  distressed, 
And  then  the  words  of  the  Master 
Come  flooding  themselves  to  our  breast. 

The  kingdom  of  God  is  within  you, 
It  covers  and  compasses  all ; 
'Tis  peace  and  joy  in  disaster, 
Unrest  and  weariness  fall. 

'Tis  rest  and  happiness  always, 
This  feeling  of  Christ  in  the  heart: 
"  My  Spirit  shall  come  and  dwell  in  you, 
My  presence  shall  never  depart." 

So  if  we  believe  in  this  Saviour, 
And  this  gift  to  us  He  bequeathed, 
We  shall  live,  and  our  hearts  will  be  rested, 
And  our  lives  with  His  blessings  be  wreathed. 
[3] 


THERE  IS  NO  CROSS  FOR  ME 

Once  daily  I  my  cross  did  bear, 
And  heavy  was  the  load; 
And  seemed  the  way  so  dark,  so  drear, 
That  led  me  up  to  God. 

My  will  was  strong  and  would  not  give, 
To  Him  I  could  not  yield; 
And  life  was  empty,  cold,  and  bare, 
Like  to  a  barren  field. 

But  now  by  faith  I  clasp  His  hand 
And  know  my  sins  forgiven ; 
I,  too,  will  serve  Him  every  day 
And  onward  strive  for  heaven. 

Since  now  my  will  to  His  doth  bend 
There  is  no  cross  for  me, 
But  just  one  upward  shaft  of  light 
Clear  to  eternity. 


[4] 


JESUS,  WE  THANK  THEE 

For  the  tears  and  for  the  woe, 
Causing  us  Thy  love  to  know ; 
For  the  pain,  for  the  sorrow, 
Trusting  for  a  bright  tomorrow, — 
Jesus,  we  thank  Thee. 

For  the  friends  and  for  the  cheer, 
Telling  us  that  Thou  art  near; 
For  the  blessings,  for  the  light, 
For  the  sunshine,  pure  and  bright, — 
Jesus,  we  thank  Thee. 

For  Thy  love  so  vast,  so  deep, 
Watching  o'er  us  while  we  sleep; 
For  Thy  sweet  and  tender  care, 
Guiding  all  our  thoughts  in  prayer, — 
Jesus,  we  thank  Thee. 

For  the  thought  of  life  eternal, 
Resting  in  Thy  pastures  vernal ; 
For  the  thought  of  heaven  and  rest 
With  Thy  King,  forever  blest, — 

Jesus,  we  thank  Thee. 


[*] 


HORIZON,  SKY,  AND  REST 

Horizon,  sky,  and  rest, 

With  nothing  else  in  all  the  world  before  my 

vision  thrown, 
There's  peace,  tranquillity,  and  joy 
In  thoughts  of  these  alone. 

Horizon  means  the  dawn  of  day 
And  victories  to  be  won ; 
Horizon  means,  as  evening  comes, 
Life's  glorious,  setting  sun. 

And  sky,  with  all  its  fleecy  clouds 

And  deep  ethereal  blue, 

Means  deeper  joys  than  yet  are  dreamed 

By  even  me  and  you. 

And  rest!  —  the  word  just  thrills 
And  all  our  soul  with  gladness  fills, — 
Such  rest  as  we  can  never  know 
Nor  even  dream  of  here  below. 


[6] 


THY  TEMPLE 

In  this  temple  that  Thou  gavest  me 
For  Thy  spirit's  dwelling  place, 
Let  me  ever  anxious  be 
To  make  it  not  a  desert  waste. 

But  of  beauty  rich  and  rare 
Make  for  Thee  a  temple  fair, 
Room  for  purity  and  peace; 
Countless  blessings  shall  increase. 

Then  Thy  bounty  I  shall  share, 
There'll  be  room  for  treasure  there ; 
Gladness,  joy,  and  heartsease 
Ever  Thou  wilt  give,  with  peace. 

So  my  soul  shall  ever  live 
And  to  others  it  will  give, — 
Give  of  joy  and  blessings  rare; 
So  Thy  bounty  I  shall  share. 


[7] 


EASTER  GREETING 

I  send  you  greeting  this  glad  day ; 
Christ  the  Lord  has  risen,  they  say; 
So  let  us  in  glad  acclaim 
His  new  life  to  all  proclaim. 

Joyous  let  our  message  be; 
He  has  bought  us,  made  us  free. 
The  triumphant  word  was  said, — 
"  Christ  has  risen  from  the  dead !  " 

On  this  happy  Easter  morn 
Joy  and  peace  anew  are  born ; 
Christ  has  risen !     Let  us  sing 
Glory  to  our  risen  King. 


[8] 


TWILIGHT 

'Tis  evening;  and  the  twilight 
With  its  soft  and  sumptuous  light 
Is  sending  a  glow  of  purple, 
Heralding  the  night. 

Each  object  wrapped  in  vapor 
Now  slowly  disappears ; 
The  sun  that  was  a  ball  of  fire 
Now  the  horizon  clears ; 

And  night,  that  lulls  us  all  to  rest, 
Comes  creeping  unaware 
Till  a  silence,  but  for  chirping  birds, 
Is  felt  in  all  the  air. 

The  day  is  done  and  night  has  come, 
And  we  to  rest  repair 
With   a   feeling  of  thanks   and  gratitude 
For  all  of  God's  great  care. 


[9] 


DORCAS 

She  wanted  to  write  a  poem, 
This  dear  little  friend  of  mine, 
But  her  life  was  full  of  worries 
And  she  felt  she  had  no  time. 

So  early  in  the  morning 
And  all  the  long  day  through 
She  was  toiling  and  busy  and  happy, 
And  minutes  she  had  so  few. 

There  was  baking  and  washing 
And  sewing,  and  many  a  homely  task; 
And  dishes,  cooking,  and  sweeping, 
And  children  with  questions  to  ask. 

But  each  little  task  was  a  pleasure 
And  everything  done  with  her  might. 
Her  worries  were  turned  to  sunshine 
And  the  house  was  shining  and  bright. 

And  when  the  day  was  over, 

The  tasks  so  homely  and  plain 

Were  done  with  a  heart  full  of  gladness, 

With  thought  of  a  joyous  strain. 

I  felt  she  had  written  a  poem, 
One  greater  than  words  with  a  pen, 
One  that  would  live  much  longer, 
That  would  brighten  the  lives  of  men. 
[10] 


Her  life  that  was  lived  so  sublimely 
Was  a  poem  of  the  very  best  kind; 
'Tis  duty  and  love  and  gladness 
That  changes  man's  inner  mind. 


[ii] 


IT  IS  THE  VOICE  OF  SPRING 

A  silence  o'er  the  earth ;  the  meadow  turning 

green ; 
The  hand  of  Nature  spreads  a  deep  and  golden 

sheen ; 
The  birds  are  wakening;  the  air  is  fresh  and 

warm ;  — 

It  is  the  voice  of  Spring. 

We  hear  the  twitter  in  the  trees,  and  nesting 

has  begun; 
The  robin  to  his  mate  now  calls, 
The  bluebird  sweetly  sings, 
The  thrush  we  hear  with  note  so  clear, 
The  meadow  lark  has  come ;  — 

It  is  the  voice  of  Spring. 

The  ice  from  off  the  creek  has  gone,  and  melted 

is  the  snow; 
The  trees  are  turning  softly  green,  with  leaves 

are  all  aglow; 
The  flowers  raise  their  heads  so  gay, 
And  so  all  Nature  seems  to  say, 

"  It  is  the  voice  of  Spring." 


[12] 


SUPPLIANT 

To  Thee  we  give  allegiance 
And  ask  Thee,  guide  our  feet! 
We  fear,  we  faint,  we  falter, 
Yet  onward  we  would  press; 
Be  Thou  our  guide  and  counsel 
To  the  eternal  rest. 

We  come  to  Thee  for  blessing; 

Lord,  teach  us  how  to  live; 

Give  us  that  meek  submission 

And  help  us  lean  on  Thee 

For   strength   and   love   and    counsel 

To  guide  us  on  our  way. 


[13] 


A  SNOW  STORM 

The  earth  was  cold  and  dark  and  brown, 
The  clouds  were  gray  and  seemed  to  frown, 
When  the  wind  with  a  note  both  loud  and  shrill 
Brought  the  snow  and  covered  the  dale  and  hill. 

From  the  top  of  the  tree  to  the  ground  so  bare 
Not  a  space  was  left  that  did  not  share 
The  glories  of  storm  and  snow  and  frost; 
Fields  and  fences,  lawn  and  post 

Were  draped  and  garlanded,  glowing  and  white, 
Covered  with  diamonds  all  sparkling  and  bright. 
All  that  was  sad  and  cold  and  gray 
Was  safely  buried  and  out  of  the  way. 

Hidden  away  from  the  frost  and  light 
Under  that  mantle  all  snowy  and  white, 
Little  brown  bulbs  and  things  that  grow 
Soon  shall  send  forth  a  wondrous  glow. 


[14] 


LIFE 

Like  the  fulness  of  the  ocean, 
Like  the  swelling  of  the  tide, 
Like  the  rolling  of  the  billows, 
Is  God's  mercy,  full  and  wide. 

And  the  waves,  like  life,  so  restless 
With  its  ceaseless  ebb  and  flow, 
Come  in  with  a  peal  like  thunder, 
Then  silently  back  they  go. 

And  others,  like  billows  tossing  high 
As  they  come  in  their  white  capped  beauty, 
Are  like  those  souls  with  thoughts  so  pure 
With  naught  but  the  thought  of  duty. 

But  for  you  and  for  me  in  our  restless  endeavor, 
So  like  the  waves  of  the  sea, 
There  is  infinite  calm  with  the  God  of  the  storm 
For  us  if  we  only  will  see. 


[15] 


EASTER  WISHES 

On  this  happy  Easter  Day 
May  your  heart  be  blythe  and  gay, 
May  the  thought  that  Christ  has  risen 
Guide  and  keep  you  close  to  heaven. 

On  this  happy  Easter  Day 
May  joy  and  peace  come  to  stay, 
May  there  not  a  shadow  fall 
On  your  heart  this  day  at  all. 

"  Christ  has  risen,"  you  can  sing, — 
Christ  your  Savior  and  your  King. 
If  you  serve  Him  all  the  time, 
He  will  make  your  life  sublime. 


[16] 


THE  OCEAN 

O  rolling,  restless,  ebbing  tide, 

How  I  love  thy  foam  and  spray, 

To  gaze  in  solitude  o'er  thy  bosom  so  wide 

To  be  carried  forever  away. 

O'er  thy  bosom  so  calm  and  so  clear 
Like  a  wave  to  be  carried  afar, 
To  be  carried  away  I  would  have  no  fear, 
To  the  land  where  pure  pleasures  are. 

0  restless  waves,  O  beautiful  foam, 

As  you  leap  and  you  lash  and  you  play, 

1  wish  I  could  stay,  and  could  make  my  home 
With  you  forever  and  aye. 


[17] 


TO  MY  FRIEND 

Like  an  oasis  in  the  desert 

Is  a  visit  with  my  friend, 

Where  the  meeting  and  the  greeting 

To  good  fellowship  do  trend. 

Not  all  in  words  well  spoken, 
But  in  silence  such  a  token 
That  our  spirits  in  great  measure 
With  each  other  they  did  blend. 

In  such  silence  there's  no  measure 
Of  minutes,  hours,  or  days, 
But  of  sympathy  and  gladness 
And  understanding,  deeper  ways. 

Deeper  words  than  tones  and  voices, 
Like  the  ripple  of  the  sea, 
Are  the  silences  of  friendship 
Between  my  friend  and  me. 


[18] 


IN  THE  PALACE  OF  THE  KING 

In  my  heart  new  songs  are  singing, 
To  my  soul  new  gladness  bringing, 
My  thoughts  with  joy  are  upward  winging 
To  the  palace  of  the  King. 

There's  a  radiance  most  like  glory 
As  I  hear  the  old,  old  story, 
And  in  rapture  still  keep  singing 
Of  the  palace  of  the  King. 

Then  our  eyes  will  know  no  dimness 
And  there'll  be  no  fear  of  sadness 
When  we  shall  be  forever 
In  the  palace  of  the  King. 


[19] 


MARTHA 

She  had  no  alabaster  box  of  ointment 

To  give  for  an  offering  rare, 

But  all  she  had  was  given 

With  the  spirit  of  give  and  share. 

Of  her  money,  her  time,  and  her  love, 
And  deeds  that  were  kind  and  tender; 
Never  weary  in  thought  or  step, 
Just  thinking  of  Him  as  the  sender. 

Of  love  and  bounty  and  goodness, 
And  the  thought  that  grief  she  was  sharing; 
There  were  those  that  were  sad  and  in  trouble, 
'Twas  their  burdens  that  she  was  bearing. 

Not  of  the  ointment  so  costly, — 
To  her  it  had  not  been  given, — 
But  the  sacrifice  He  has  desired, 
To  give  it  faithfully  she  has  striven. 


[20] 


BE  NEAR  US,  LORD 

Be  near  us  in  the  early  morn 
And  when  sadly  here  we  sigh; 
Be  near  us  when  we  feel  the  thorn, 
And  tears  bedew  the  weeping  eye. 

Be  near  us  when  our  trials  come; 
Be  near  us  in  our  pleasure; 
Be  near  us  when  we  stay  at  home ; 
Be  Thou  our  greatest  treasure. 

Oh,  be  Thou  near  through  all  our  life 
To  bless  and  cheer  and  guide. 
In  pleasure,  sorrow,  sin,  or  strife, 
Oh,  draw  us  to  Thy  side. 


[21] 


GOD  WILL  ANSWER  PRAYER 

In  our  need  and  our  distress, 
God  has  promised  He  will  bless; 
If  we  only  turn  to  Him 
In  our  trials,  in  our  sorrow, 
He  will  make  a  glad  tomorrow. 

This  the  thought  that  is  akin 
To  the  pain  that's  in  our  hearts, 
Brings  the  tears,  makes  the  smarts; 
Therefore  do  not  doubt  at  all 
God  will  be  your  all  in  all. 

So  now  for  you  this  very  hour 
God  will  manifest  His  power: 
"  I  will  answer  before  they  speak 
If  my  children  are  only  meek," 
You  can  hear  Him  say  it  now ; 

u  My  promises  will  surely  bless 
If  you,  your  need,  to  Me  confess." 
Always  trusting  God  for  aid, 
Never,  never,  be  afraid; 
He  is  waiting,  waiting  now. 


[22] 


CHRISTMAS  THOUGHTS 

Christmas  thoughts  to  you  be  near, 

Thoughts  of  gladness,  thoughts  of  cheer, 

Thoughts  of  joy  and  holy  mirth, 

To  celebrate  the  Savior's  birth; 

Thoughts  of  plenty,  thoughts  of  peace, 

In  your  heart  today  increase, 

Cause  new  life,  new  hopes,  to  grow; 

Ceaseless  blessings  then  will  flow, — 

Flow  from  you  to  other  men, 

In  echo  glad  return  again. 

So  for  this  and  other  years 

May  glad  thoughts  dispel  all  fears, 

May  the  joys  that  come  today 

In  your  heart  forever  stay. 


[23] 


"  COME  YE  APART  " 

"  Come  ye  apart  and  rest  awhile," 

Thus  the  Savior  spoke ; 

"  I  know  thy  way  is  dreary,  and  'tis  hard. 

Be  ye  not  discouraged  to  smile, — 

'  Come  ye  apart  and  rest  awhile.' 

"  By  prayer  and  fasting  ye  shall  stronger  grow ; 

Listen,  and  My  promises  ye  shall  know. 

Be  ye  not  discouraged; 

'  Come  ye  apart  and  rest  awhile.' 

"  I  will  be  with  you  to  comfort  and  to  bless ; 
Draw  near  to  Me,  and  all  your  sins  confess. 
Be  ye  not  discouraged; 
1  Come  ye  apart  and  rest  awhile.' 

"  My  heart  for  you  is  full  of  love, 
Will  intercede  for  you  above. 
Be  ye  not  discouraged; 
'  Come  ye  apart  and  rest  awhile.' " 

These  the  blessings  that  for  us  are  given, 
These  the  messages  that  come  to  us  from  heaven. 
Be  ye  not  discouraged, — 
"  Come  ye  apart  and  rest  awhile." 


[24] 


ST.  VALENTINE 

Cupid,  little  love  god,  won't  you  come,  I  pray? 
Cupid,  little  love  god,  won't  you  come  and  stay  ? 
For  you  know  'tis  leap  year, — 
That  means  one  more  day, 
Gives  me  right  to  sing  my  song 
On  this  your  chosen  day. 

Cupid,  little  love  god, 
In  my  heart  there's  space; 
For  a  little  arrow  I  could  make  a  place, — 
Make  a  place  and  keep  it,  keep  it  all  for  you. 
Won't  you  be  my  best  love?     I  promise  I'll  be 
true. 

There  are  many  maidens  waiting  for  this  year, 
Hoping  you'll  be  watching,  wanting  them  to 

cheer, 
Sending   little    fiery    darts,    planting    them    in 

maidens'  hearts, — 
Cupid,  little  love  god,  won't  you  come  today? 

Cupid,  little  love  god,  won't  you  please  to  hear  ? 
Cupid,  little  love  god,  this  is  now  leap  year ; 
Cupid,  will  you  not  make  haste? 
Of  your  sweetest  potion  I  should  like  a  taste. 


[25] 


SPRING  TIME 

A  hush,  a  mystery  o'er  the  earth, 

A  sense  of  joy  and  gladness, —  not  of  mirth. 

The  world  is  waking  from  her  sleep; 

The  voice  of  Nature's  resurrection  speaks. 

The  birds  that  to  the  south  had  flown, 
Are  here.     We  hear  their  mellow  tone. 
The  air  is  full  of  perfumes  rare, 
All  Nature  gives  to  us  a  share. 

The  flowers  from  out  the  earth  so  cold 
Now  lift  up  their  cups  of  gold. 
Violets  and  crocus,  too, 
Will  gladden  the  earth  for  me  and  you, 

While  the  earth,  the  river  and  the  glade, 
Trees,  birds,  sun  and  shade 
All  inspire  us  with  their  glow 
Telling  this  is  spring,  you  know. 


[26] 


THAT  SOMETHING 

There  is  a  little  something 

That's  in  our  hearts  today, 

There  is  a  little  something 

That's  in  our  hearts  to  stay. 

It  bids  us,  when  the  days  be  dark  and  drear, 

Forget  and  bravely  sing  of  cheer; 

It  tells  of  ills  and  fears  and  woe, 
Then  sings  the  songs  of  hope  we  know ; 
Speaks  of  sorrows,  oh,  how  bitter ! 
Then  says,  "  Be  brave,  be  not  a  quitter." 
"  That  something  "  that  is  planted  here 
Bids  us  be  strong,  not  think  of  fear. 

Just  what  "  that  something  "  is,  you  know, 
Is  planted  so  that  we  might  grow, — 
Grow  brave  and  strong,  fearless,  true, 
See  God's  plans  shining  always  through, 
Into  the  one  great  perfect  day 
When  sorrows,  tears,  shadows,  all  have  passed 
away. 


[27] 


WINTER 

In  our  homes  we  sit  and  sigh, 
Wish  the  winter  would  go  by; 
See  the  fields  so  cold  and  bare, 
Not  a  sign  of  verdure  there; 
All  is  clasped  in  winter's  grip, 
Icicles  from  house  eaves  drip. 
Furs  put  on,  and  out  we  go 
Into  the  great  white  world  of  snow; 
Pulses  throbbing,  hearts  aglow, 
Ho,  for  a  tramp  over  the  snow. 
Back  returning,  home  seems  bright ; 
Hearth  aflame  with  firelight. 
All  the  world  just  now  is  shining, 
In  our  lives  there's  no  repining. 
Out  in  the  open  laugh  and  run, — 
Winter's  the  season  made  for  fun. 


[28] 


FEBRUARY  12 

We  offer  a  little  tribute  today 

To  a  man  whose  life  can  not  pass  away; 

A  man  who  has  lived,  is  living  yet, 

In  the  hearts  of  those  who  can  never  forget. 

His  life  so  heroic,  his  work,  was  for  all, — 

There  was  no  one  too  great  and  no  one  too 

small ; 
A  man  who  was  kind,  loving,  tender  and  true; 
Of  whom  this  sad  world  has  seen  but  too  few, — 
So  strong  for  the  weak,  so  firm  for  the  good, 
For  deeds  that  were  noble,  for  deeds  that  were 

brave ; 
For  those  that  were  down-trodden ;  too,  for  the 

slave. 
This  man,  then,  so  tender,  strong,  pure,  and 

true, — 
Our  own  great  Abraham  Lincoln, — 
His  life  is  a  lesson  for  me  and  for  you, — 
Our  own  great  Abraham  Lincoln. 


[29] 


JESUS  WANTS  THE  LITTLE  ONES 

Jesus  wants  the  little  ones, 

Those  who  know  him  not, 

Those  whose  hearts  are  sad  and  lone, — 

Every  tiny  tot. 

Jesus  wants  the  little  ones, 
Those  who  love  to  be 
Gentle,  kind,  and  patient, 
Trying  Him  to  see. 

Jesus  wants  them  all  the  time, 
In  this  land  or  any  clime, 
Whether  they  of  Him  have  heard 
Or  His  blessings  have  not  shared. 

Yes,  He  wants  them  every  one, 
All  their  lives  to  be  His  own. 
He  will  make  them  pure  and  clean, 
And  will  keep  them  from  all  sin. 


[30] 


FOR  SINNERS 

For   those,  dear  Lord,  whose   souls   are  dark 

with  sin 
We  plead  with  Thee.     Show  them  Thy  love; 

gather  them  in. 
Their  hearts  are  heavy,  their  load  is  great ; 
They  have  lost  Thee.     In  their  hearts  bid  them 

wait, 
Bid  them  stand  still  and  hear  Thee  say, 
"  Come  unto  me  "  before  it  is  too  late. 

For  those  whose  bodies  suffer  toil  and  pain, 
Who  look  to  things  of  earth  to  give  them  gain, 
Teach  them  Thy  love,  let  them  know 
Thou  too  didst  suffer  when  below. 
We  ask  Thee  make  them  penitent,  draw  them 

near. 
We  plead  for  them,  dear  Father;  forgive,  and 

make  them  hear. 

For  those  misguided  ones  who  in  ignorance  and 

sin 
Are  dissatisfied,  lonely,   and  longing  to   come 

in, — 
We  plead  for  those,  dear  Lord ; 
Give  them  Thy  strength  and  let  them  be 
Satisfied  only  when  they  find  themselves  in  Thee. 


[81] 


And  so  for  all  Thy  children  here  below, — 
For  those  in  want,  sorrow,  sadness,  woe, — 
Father,  grant  us  to  hear  our  prayer 
And  keep  us  from  the  tempter's  snare. 


[32] 


APRIL 

April  is  a  poem 
From  early  morn  till  night, 
Trees  and  flowers  budding, 
A  soft  and  wondrous  light. 

Meadows   turn  to  emerald  green, 
Turn  so  quickly   through  the  night, 
Cover  all  with  wondrous  sheen, 
Make  for  us  a  beauteous  sight. 

April,  how  we  love  to  stay, 
Watching  Mother  Nature's  way; 
If  'tis  sunshine  or  of  rain, 
It's  a  poem,  still  we  maintain. 


[33] 


A  MOTHER'S  PRAYER 

O  God,  for  war  that's  raging  now 

We  ask  Thee,  help  us  make  a  vow 

That  we  will  not  partakers  be 

In  war  that  so  dishonors  Thee. 

Dear  God,  we  ask  Thee,  let  not  this  slaughter 

be; 
We  ask  Thee,  teach  us,  let  us  see 
A  better,  purer,  more  humane  way 
The  debt  against  our  foe  to  pay. 
Dear  God,  we  ask  Thee,  interfere; 
We  beg,  we  plead,  'tis  so  severe. 
Come  to  our  aid,  we  mothers  cry ; 
Our  fathers,  sons,  husbands,  brothers, — why 
Should  we  suffer  thus, 

That  men  should  satisfy  their  greed  for  lust? 
In  want  we  mourn,  in  hunger  sigh ; 
Our  homes  are  desolate, —  and  why  ? 
Dear  God,  Thy  power  now  show, 
And  those  who  set  at  naught  Thy  word  bring 

low. 
Grant  us  our  prayer  and  set  Thy  seal ; 
These  bleeding,  broken  hearts  now  heal; 
Turn  those  whose  hearts  are  hard  as  stone 
To  plead  for  mercy  at  Thy  throne. 
Then  let  Thy  kingdom  reign  on  earth ; 
Bring  peace  where  now  there  is  a  dearth 
Of  human  love,  of  love  divine. 

[34] 


A  SONG  OF  PRAISE 

A  song  of  praise  is  in  my  heart  to-day ; 

I  feel  the  joy  of  life  all  along  the  way. 

The  gladness  of  the  birds  as  they  sing  and  fly, 

The  music  of  the  wind  as  it  rushes  by, 

The  joy  of  the  flowers  as  their  perfume  fills  the 

air, 
The  warm  glow  of  sunshine  glinting  here  and 

there, 
The  ripple  of  the  water,  the  rustle  of  the  leaves, 
The  humming  of  the  insects   whirring  in   the 

trees, 
The  love  of  friends  so  kind  and  true, — 
All  lend  to  life  a  golden  hue. 
And  so  a  song  of  praise  I'll  sing 
For  all  these  blessings  from  my  King. 


[35] 


NATURE 

It  is  in  music  that  all  Nature  abounds, 
That  we  can  realize  the  beauty  of  all  sounds, — 
Of  all  colors,  all  tones,  to  Nature  so  related 
That  we  shall  know  'tis  a  landscape 
By  God's  own  hand  painted. 


[36] 


THANK  OFFERING  FOR  CHILDREN 

We  come,  our  pennies  bringing; 
We  come  with  voices  singing, 
For  all  the  blessings  of  the  days 
In  all  the  many,  many  ways. 

We  come  to  add  our  little  gift, 
We  pray  that  it  may  help  to  lift 
The  burden   of  those  in  lands   afar, 
Who  are  not  favored  as  we  are. 

Take  our  gift,  dear  Lord,  we  pray, 
Make  us  glad  and  help  us  say, 
"  We  will  always  do  our  best," 
Knowing  God  will  do  the  rest. 


[37] 


MISSIONARY  THANKSGIVING  SONG 

We  come  today  our  hearts  to  raise 
In  songs  of  love  and  joy  and  praise 
For  all  the  blessings  of  the  year, 
For  those  afar  and  those  so  near. 

We  come  to  offer  our  glad  song, 
With  all  the  happy,  happy  throng, 
That  now  the  year  again  is  past, 
With  blessings  greater  than  the  last. 

For  joys  untold;  for  sins  forgiven; 
For  those  who've  found  the  way  to  heaven ; 
For  those  in  foreign  lands  so  drear; 
For  those,  our  loved  ones,  far  and  near; 

For  those  Thy  message  now  are  giving, 
Teaching  others  better  living, 
Teaching  them  Thy  love  to  know, 
In  the  better  way  to  go; 

But  best  of  all,  our  song  of  praise 
Is  for  Thy  love  that  fills  our  days, 
Fills  our  life  with  peace  and  love, 
Sent  by  mercy  from  above. 

Accept  our  gifts,  though  small  they  be, 
As  an  offering  unto  Thee; 
Use  them  all,  dear  Lord,  we  pray 
In  Thine  own  appointed  way. 
[38] 


THE  DOCTOR 

If  there  is  one  above  another 
That  deserves  the  name  of  brother, 
His  a  work  that  is  sublime, 
From  all  ages  to  all  time. 
When  on  earth  we  come  to  be, 
His  the  hand  that  sets  us  free; 
When  with  infant's  cries  dismayed, 
Mother's  more  than  half  afraid, 
She  with  tears  all  through  her  voice 
Calls  the  Doctor  of  her  choice. 
With  her  woes  now  all  becalmed 
She  with  medicine  safe  is  armed. 
Next  on  program  is  the  fever; 
Mother  fears  'twill  never  leave  her, 
But  the  doctor,  calm  as  ever, 
Says  from  food  the  child  to  sever; 
So  that  sorrow  now  is  past, 
Atmosphere  is  clear  at  last. 
Can  there  be  more  sorrow  coming? 
Child   says   head   with  noise   is   humming. 
Mother  looks  for  earache,  mumps; 
Calls  the  doctor,  heart  in  thumps. 
Doctor  says,  "  Oh,  have  no  fears, 
'Tis  the  wax  that's  in  her  ears." 
Mother's  fears  now  all  allayed; 
For  child's  safety  she  has  prayed. 
When  from  death's  dark,  deep  abyss 
He  restores  us  to  earth's  bliss, 
[39] 


Can  we  ever  know  the  strain? 
On  his  strength  'tis  such  a  drain. 
Strange  it  is  that  in  our  sorrow 
He's  the  friend  we  wish  to  borrow, 
Little  knowing  how  he's  worried, 
With  our  cares  and  troubles  flurried, 
With  no  thought  but  for  others, — 
Fathers,  sisters,  mothers,  brothers. 
Have  we  ever  thought  and  prayed 
That  he  might  not  get  dismayed? 
When  he's  called  up  without  thought 
Always  comes,  dreading  naught; 
Always  ready  when  he's  needed; 
For  our  mercy  has  not  pleaded. 
Shall  we  not  with  heart  uplifted 
Bless  our  doctor,  who,  so  gifted 
With  the  so-great  power  of  healing 
And  with  tenderness  of  feeling, 
Cures  us,  till  we  come  to  bless 
Him  for  his  great  faithfulness. 


[40] 


IN  SILENCE  STAND 

The  tree  now  looks  to  us  so  dark  and  bare, 

So  silent,  still, —  and  yet,  to  us  all  unaware, 

Is  feeling  but  the  touch  of  God's  almighty  hand, 

And  soon  in  verdure  all  soft  and  green 

Will  at  the  voice  of  His  command 

Burst  forth  and  sing. 

And  the  wind  on  leaf  and  twig  will  blow 

And  the  face  of  Mother  Earth  in  soft  green 

dress  will  glow, — 
Will  glow,  and  show  how  even  those  who  silent 

stand, 
At  the  command  break  forth  and  sing 
The  glories  of  a  great  and  sovereign  King. 


[41] 


THOU  DIDST  PLEAD  FOR  ME 

In  the  garden,  sad  and  lone, 
There  Thy  love  to  me  was  shown ; 
With  the  burden  of  the  cross, 
With  no  thought  of  pain  or  loss, 

Thou  didst  plead  for  me. 

By  Thy  friends  forsook,  despised, 
By  Thine  agony  and  cries, 
By  Thy  sorrow,  so  complete, 
Knowing  there  was  no  defeat, 

Thou  didst  plead  for  me. 

On  the  cross,  the  cruel  tree, 

There  Thy  blood  was  shed  for  me. 

By  the  nails  that  pierced  Thee  through, 

Giving  up  Thy  life  so  true, 

Thou  didst  plead  for  me. 


[42] 


MORNING  HOURS 

Along  the  horizon  are  lines  of  gold  and  pink; 
'Tis  the  brush  of  the  Creator,  in  my  heart  I 

think ; 
'Tis  a  wondrous,  wondrous  Artist 
That  makes  me  pause  and  say: 

"  These  clouds  that  are  diaphanous, 
So  soft  and  full  of  light, 
Shall  fill  the  hours  of  dawn 
And  make  them  fair  and  bright. 

"  These  hours  are  so  full  of  joy, — 

New  life,  new  thoughts,  pleasures  that  cannot 

cloy; 
Ah!  clear,  uplifting,  luminous,  and  bright 
Are   these    morning   hours    so    full    of    mystic 

light." 


[43] 


EASTER 

'Tis   Easter!     And  the   air  soft   with   Spring. 
'Tis  Easter !     And  the  birds  with  gladness  sing. 
And  shall  not  we  be  glad,  and  say, 
"Christ  the  Lord  is  risen  to-day?" 

'Tis  Easter!     All  in  Nature's  voice 
With  resurrection  does  rejoice; 
The  flowers  with  perfume  fill  the  air, — 
Joy  and  gladness  everywhere. 

'Tis   Easter!     We  have  heard  His  voice. 
'Tis  Easter!     And  our  hearts  rejoice; 
The  children  make  a  happy  throng, 
Their  voices  fill  the  air  with  song. 

'Tis  Easter !     And  we  come  to  Thee, — 
Our  offering  ourselves  shall  be. 
'Tis  Easter!     And  all  things  living  say, 
"  Christ  our  Savior  lives  to-day." 


[44] 


"  COME  UNTO  ME  " 

If  our  trials  oft  beset  us, 

Do  not  let  these  trifles  fret  us ; 

He  is  near  us  to  protect, 

We  His  love  should  not  reject. 

We  can  hear  Him  gently  say, 

"  Come  unto  Me  and  I  will  give  you  rest." 

Do   not  be  discouraged;   Christ   will   fill   your 

need 
If  His  blessed  promise  we  will  ever  heed. 
In  His  word  He  tells  us, 
"  Come  unto  Me,  ye  weary,  and  I  will  give  you 

rest." 

Though  the  days  be  dark  and  lonely, — 

Dark  the  hours  and  cheerless, — 

We  can  hear  Him  oft  repeating, 

"  Come  unto  Me,  ye  weary ;  I  will  give  you  rest." 

Then  at  last,  rejoicing,  He  will  bid  us  come 

With  no  thought  of  tears  or  sadness, 

Free  from  care  and  full  of  gladness; 

We  shall  hear  His  welcome  voice, 

"  Come  unto  Me,  ye  weary ;  I  will  give  you  rest." 


[45] 


PEACE,  PERFECT  PEACE 

Peace,  perfect  peace,  He  promises  to  all 
If  on  His  mercy  we  are  willing  to  call; 
If  on  Him  our  thought  is  stayed, 
We  need  never  be  afraid. 

Because  we  trust  Him  for  His  power, 
There  for  us  is  no  sad  hour. 
In  His  strength  He  will  uphold; 
His  great  blessings  are  untold. 

Peace,  perfect  peace,  He  has  given 

To  those  who  on  this  earth  have  striven. 

He  will  call  them  for  His  own 

To  be  with  Him  round  His  Throne. 


[46] 


I  KNOW  THAT  MY  REDEEMER  LIVETH 

'Tis  borne  into  my  soul  through  the  sunshine 

and  the  air 
And   the  landscape    and   the   flowers    and   the 

beauty  everywhere, 
And  in  all  the  wondrous  pleasures  that  to  all 

mankind  he  giveth, — 
I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth. 

And  in  love  and  life  and  blessing  and  all  that 

we  can  see, 
In  the  thoughts  our  minds  are  filled  with  and 

the  joys  to  all  so  free; 
In  everything  He  giveth  I  can  but  say : 

"  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth." 

And  when  we  think  of  heaven  and  where  our 

souls  shall  dwell, — 
When     from    this    earth    we're    passing, — its 

glories  none  can  tell; 
But,    untold   peace  I    this    thought    to    me    He 

giveth, 
And  so  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth. 


[«7] 


THERE  IS  NO  FEAR 

There  is  no  fear  in  dying; 
'Tis  but  the  freeing  of  the  soul 
From  this  home  of  clay  so  fragile 
That  has  held  it  for  a  while. 

There  is  no  pain  in  dying 
And  the  breaking  of  the  bowl; 
The  spirit  is  returning  to  the  palace  of  the  soul, 
To  its  royal  habitation  in  the  kingdom  of  the 
Lord. 

There  is  great  peace  in  dying, 

And  a  sense  of  rest  complete; 

The   feeling  is   surrender,   yet   of  knowing  no 

defeat. 
There  is  no  need  of  crying,  for  it's  but  to  reach 

the  goal; 
This  thing  that  we  call  dying  is  the  freedom  of 

the  soul. 

So  why,  my  heart,  be  sad  when  the  time  has 

come  to  go? 
For  in  joyous  anticipation  'tis  the  home  we've 

longed  for  so; 
And  all  our  preparation,  while  here  on  earth 

we've  been, 
Was  but  the  getting  ready  for  the  land  where 

is  no  sin. 

[48] 


MY  BABY'S  SONG 

As  I  heard  my  baby  singing  to  her  dolly  in  her 

play- 
As  I  heard  my  baby  singing,  it  made  my  heart 

quite  gay. 

'Twas  not  the  words  or  music,  for  they  truly 

were  all  folly, 
But  just  the  thought  that  she  was  singing  to 

her  dolly. 

So  it's  not  always  in  the  music  or  the  trueness 

of  the  time, 
But  if  our  heart  is  happy  and  is  keeping  up 

a  rhyme 

Or  a  rhythm  to  our  heart-beat  that  is  joyous, 

pure  and  fine, 
Like  my  baby  to  her  dolly,  'twill  make  it  seem 

sunshine. 


[49] 


SLEEP 

With  the  fading  of  the  light, 
With  the  coming  of  the  night, 
O'er  our  souls  and  bodies  stealing 
Comes  a  most  delightful  feeling. 

Tired  nerves  and  aching  feet 
Now  are  wrapped  in  slumber  sweet, 
And  our  brains  that  for  tomorrow 
Needed  strength,  from   this  may  borrow. 

All  our  lives  would  be  sublime, 
And  the  sun  for  us  would  shine; 
With  our  hearts  from  trouble  free, 
Minor  worries  would  not  see. 

What  so  restful  for  our  souls 
As  the  sleep  that  Mind  controls, 
Frees  our  bodies  from  all  ills 
Peace  into  our  lives  instills. 


[50] 


OF  GRATITUDE 

These  precious  messages  that  Thou  gavest  me, 
In  a  spirit  of  humility  I  accept  them  all  from 

Thee; 
That  they  of  some  service  to  others  may  be, — 
This  is  the  plea  that  comes  from  me ; 

That  in  these  words  some  token  of  Thy  love, 

I  to  the  world  may  show, — 
Some  token  of  Thy  boundless  treasure 

They,  too,  may  know; 

That   they,   Thy   temple,   Thou   wilt   be   their 

guest; 
For  Thy  spirit  they,  too,  may  go  in  quest; 
They,  too,  Thy  love  may  know  and  feel, 
And  say,  "  It  is  Emanuel." 


[51] 


*  •  *   »• 


/0/SO 


Oo 


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